kougademocrat

Kouga Community Services Portfolio Councillor Daniel Benson said the operating hours had been reduced so that staff could be rotated as part of COVID-19 safety precautions.

He said the focus was still on clearing the backlog that had been created by the nationwide lockdown.

“This means no new learner or driving licence test applications will be accommodated at this stage, as per the directive of the Department of Transport.”

In terms of the latest Covid-19 regulations all driving licences, temporary driving licences, learner’s licences, professional driving licences, temporary permits, vehicle registrations, motor vehicle licence discs and roadworthy certificates that would have expired from 26 March 2020 to 31 May 2020 are deemed valid for 90 days after 1 June 2020.

All motor trade number licences that would have expired from 26 March 2020 to 31 May 2020 are deemed valid for six months after 1 June 2020.

Benson said all prescribed hygiene measures, disinfection controls and health protocols were in place at the registration offices and testing centres.

“Social distancing will be enforced at all times and hand sanitiser will be available.

“It is, furthermore, mandatory for all visitors and staff to wear masks. These could be cloth or homemade masks, covering the mouth and nose,” he said.

“We ask that motorists be patient should they visit the Department, as delays may be experienced due to the Covid-19 safety precautions that must be followed.”

He requested those who had appointments for driving licence renewals that could not take place due to the temporary closure of the office to contact the Kouga Traffic Department for a new booking if they had not yet been contacted.

“Those who were scheduled to be tested for new learner’s and driving licence tests will be contacted to reschedule.”